This space is transformed into an experimental micro office

Thibaut Devulder of 2hD Architects had a home office; not a separate space in the backyard, but a large room in the home. He soon discovered that any space with colouring pencils and paper is a magnet for kids, and soon it became more of a common area than a work space. The solution was sitting in the back yard: Devulder designed a micro office to replace the exact volume and footprint of the existing shed.

It's not just any micro office, though

The room in the home was excellent for getting part of their work done ("highly collaborative, requiring large surfaces, space and materials for analogue production of drawings and models") but finding space for "periods of immersion in focussed digital design and production work" was difficult. In short, "we were left with the need for a ‘cave’ to complement our increasingly lively ‘commons’," says Devulder.

It's covered in broom-stick heads

The concept is a little unusual, because they had unusual needs. "Without any visible door or window the outer facades are entirely clad in natural coco-fibre broom heads: details and junctions are largely concealed, as the broom bristles interlock to provide a continuous and visually diffuse surface," says Devulder.

And it's got intention

Their intention was that the building should create three totally separate experiences: an enigmatic exterior, a serene interior and a ceremonial commute to work. It just so happens that it looks furry.

It's concept is the opposite of current design trends

"We designed Mission Control as a sort of antithesis of 'the contemplation space with landscape views and flowing inside-outside space.' We needed a cell, removed from physical context and worldly distraction, where we could retreat to immerse ourselves in brain work."

It's like a furry work-bunker-time-capsule

Inside is serene

The space within is a comfortable and calm isolation chamber for undisturbed concentration. There are two back-to-back desks inside, and daylight and ventilation are provided by a single hidden skylight that perforates through the reflective roof surface.

With clever insulation and simple design

Interior walls and ceilings are clad with whitewashed plywood, which adds to the calm and natural feeling environment. The breathable walls, wrapped with sheep’s wool insulation, create a healthy internal environment that is easily heated by body warmth and waste heat from computers.